Stanley Tucci's Jewish-Roman Artichokes Are Fascinating TikTok

Stanley Tucci is an immensely talented actor who's appeared in movies, on television, and in the theater. Over the course of his illustrious career, one marked by numerous accolades, Tucci has won the hearts of audiences thanks to his authentic portrayals of a broad range of characters. Whether he's playing the villain, the hero, or the comic relief, Tucci always brings something extra to his performances that makes him a standout in whatever film or TV show he appears in.

The actor has also shifted his career in recent years to pursue another passion. On his TV show "Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy", Tucci goes on a culinary tour of the country, with a focus on lesser-known regional delicacies that feature fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Some of these destinations include Sicily, the Amalfi Coast, Bologna, and Rome, among others. Tucci's trip to Rome is particularly special, as it allowed the actor to indulge in a recipe that bridges two culinary cultures.

Followers of Tucci's TikTok page were wowed by a recent video documenting his culinary exploits in Rome's Jewish quarter. First formed by a papal decree in 1555, the Jewish Ghetto in Rome has been a scene of great beauty and horrific tragedy over the centuries. The area is now recognized for its historical importance and as being the longest-standing Jewish community in Europe. As a result, the neighborhood offers a gorgeous blend of cultures while also upholding the traditions Jewish people hold so dear.

The cuisine is no exception, and Tucci explores an enticing and delicious dish in his video. Officially known as carciofi alla giudia, Tucci's meal of deep-fried artichokes looks as tasty as it sounds. In addition to artichokes, the recipe consists of olive oil, black pepper, sea salt, and lemon wedges on the side. Followers of Tucci's TikTok reacted to the short video with great enthusiasm, with many wondering just where the actor was dining so they could enjoy their own deep-fried artichoke experience. Fortunately, there are a number of amazing restaurants in this neighborhood that focus on Jewish-Roman recipes.

Along with carciofi alla giudia, this historically and culturally important area of Rome is also home to many other tasty examples of Jewish-Roman cuisine. Diners are encouraged to sample abbacchio alla giudia, or roasted lamb perfectly seasoned with rosemary and garlic. There's also stracotto, which is a type of pot roast that's slow-cooked with fresh, plump tomatoes. Speaking of freshness, one establishment (Taverna del Ghetto) features an outdoor pasta maker to entice diners to sample its homemade wares.

Because no delicious meal is complete without dessert, visitors can stop by one of the many pastry shops located within Via del Portico d'Ottavia, which is considered the heart and soul of the neighborhood. Pizza dolce ebraica is a unique dessert featuring a center brimming with candied fruit peels, cherries, and nuts, all of which are surrounded by a layer of marzipan-style dough. Pie lovers will also enjoy crostata ricotta e visciole, which is a pastry filled with sour cherries and ricotta cheese for the ideal blend of tangy and rich flavors. While many of the restaurants and shops in the Roman-Jewish quarter have long lines during peak dining hours, the wait is certainly worth it to sample this amazing cuisine.